Spout after spout, folks are clamoring for consolidation of one type or another. Most Philadelphians may not know that Manayunk and Kensington, among others, were boroughs in Philadelphia County; Blockley and Dublin townships were independent towns too, until 1854. The cities of Milwaukee and Houston are gradually assimilating the smaller towns and townships in their suburbs. New York City today encompasses five counties and what were once hundreds of towns. Consolidation is not a bad thing. The only people who lose are the individual mayors who have to surrender their power.